Why judicial officials will be assigned for election duty
According to Election Commission sources, these judges and magistrates will form enquiry committees across all 300 constituencies.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (9 December) requested Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed to assign 300 judicial officials during the upcoming 13th national election.
According to Election Commission sources, these judges and magistrates will form enquiry committees across all 300 constituencies.
What are enquiry committees?
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Under Section 91A (1) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) 1972, the EC must establish an enquiry committee to ensure the prevention and control of pre-poll irregularities.
These committees will deal with issues such as violations of the election code of conduct; intimidation, obstruction, coercion or misinformation; activities that threaten free and fair polls and irregularities reported before voting day.
The commission said that the committees will be formed entirely with judicial officials, which is why the CEC sought 300 lower court judges today.
Why judges are needed
The committees will have judicial powers, similar to civil courts, which include the authority to summon individuals, take testimony, demand relevant documents or evidence, conduct hearings and produce findings with legal weight.
Their proceedings will be considered judicial acts, falling under Sections 193 and 228 of the Penal Code – meaning providing false statements or disrupting the process will be punishable.
How the committees will work
Each committee will be empowered to investigate complaints submitted by the commission, returning officers, assistant returning officers, or any election official.
They may also initiate investigations independently if they detect wrongdoing.
After examining the allegations and evidence, the committees must submit a detailed report to the EC within three days, along with recommendations for necessary action.
To ensure smooth functioning, the commission will cover all operational expenses of the committees, including fuel, hospitality, and logistical costs.
In addition, returning officers, deputy commissioners, police commissioners, superintendents of police, regional election officers, senior or district election officers, and upazila or thana election officers will assist the committees.
